2016 Hyundai Tucson review
Hyundai Tucson highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Smart redesign adds space
- Good value package, with a strong warranty
Cons
- Base model's engine lacks gusto
- Larger inside but still one of the smaller compact SUVs
Mileage (EPA estimate)
21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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More of everything with the all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson was always a fun-to-drive choice in the hotly contested crowd of compact SUVs, and with this 2016 redesign, Hyundai has addressed the chief complaints against it. The previous Tucson wasn't the most family-friendly choice, with a cramped rear seat and a smaller-than-average trunk. With this new model, the rear seats now can accommodate adults and the expanded trunk space is more useful.
The rest of the offering remains familiar, with appealing improvements, though the trim lines have been juggled. The SE is now the base model and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, a 5-inch color touchscreen, a rearview camera, satellite radio, and more. Its limiting factor is the 2.0-liter engine, which feels a bit sluggish. You'll want the Eco or the Sport, which come with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that adds some pep to the performance without dinging EPA estimates much. The Limited remains the range-topping choice, with loads of features to match the Tucson’s crisp, stylish looks. All of the improvements combine to make it a tough new competitor to beat.
All Hyundai Tucson years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Tucson generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson?
- The Tucson is available in a variety of new trims, including the ECO and Sport.
- The GLS trim has been discontinued for 2016.
- Tucson trims have been upgraded with Blind Spot Monitor, Power Hatch/Deck Lid, Turbo Charged Engine, Navigation System, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
- A/C Seat(s), Lane Departure Warning, Parking Sensors, and Rear Seat Heaters features are now available as options on select trims.
- The SE trim now comes with Cloth Seats as standard equipment.
2016 Hyundai Tucson trims
Curious how Hyundai Tucson trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSE
Includes five-inch screen, rearview camera, driver-selectable modes, USB/aux input jacks, automatic headlights, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, privacy glass, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and more.
Eco
Adds the 1.6L turbo four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, power driver's seat with power lumbar support, side sills and roof rails, chrome dual exhaust, and more.
Sport
Adds 19-inch aluminum wheels, hands-free smart liftgate, keyless entry and push-button start, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver-assistance tech features, and more.
Limited
Unlocks eight-inch screen, leather seating, heated back seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Blue Link® telematics and HomeLink® transceiver, and more.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
1. Four terrific trims
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson is available in four trims: SE, Eco, Sport, and Limited. The base SE trim includes a five-inch screen, automatic headlights, cloth upholstery, and 17-inch wheels. The Eco trim adds LED headlights and power driver's seat with lumbar support, while the Sport trim lives up to its name with 19-inch wheels and a smart power liftgate. The range-topping Limited trim adds leather seating, an eight-inch screen, premium sound, and more.
2. HTRAC all-wheel drive
Hyundai's intelligent all-wheel-drive system (HTRAC) electronically controls the amount of torque split between the front and rear wheels. In the Hyundai Tucson, HTRAC usually functions in front-wheel-drive mode, allowing for greater mpg when on the open road. On uneven road surfaces or during inclement weather, the HTRAC system is designed to automatically send power to all four wheels for improved stability and grip. Unlike many automatic AWD systems, the Tucson's HTRAC has driver-selectable modes to match your driving style and weather conditions.
3. Powerful drivetrain options
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has plenty of options, so you can find the one that fits your lifestyle—and that goes for engine options, too. The 2.0L engine connects to a six-speed automatic transmission to drive the front wheels, and the turbocharged 1.6L engine has a quick-shifting dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. With either engine, you get the option of FWD thriftiness or AWD stability.
4. The ultimate package
If the high-end Limited trim isn't exclusive enough for you, check into the loaded status of the Ultimate Package, which is available on Limited models. This adds HID headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 4.2-inch driver's display, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats. Not only that, but you'll also get driver-assistance features like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and rear parking sensors.
5. Plenty of cargo space
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson interior features flexible cargo configurations as standard. Set the rear seats down and gain a massive 61.9 cu-ft of space. A hands-free power liftgate is optional if you want added practicality when accessing the trunk. The cargo area is wide and easy to load, with a low lift-over height. Additional small storage options up front include several cubbies and bins for passengers to store their necessities. Need to haul extra-large cargo? The standard roof rails can accommodate 220 lbs of weight, from kayaks and canoes to a large cargo box (when properly equipped).
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you like driving and think commuting should be fun, check out the sporty Mazda CX-5. The steering feel is on point, and the capable suspension can help you enjoy the winding roads on your way to the campsite. The 2017-2021 Mazda CX-5 features a 187-hp, 2.5L four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic transmission, FWD (or optional AWD), and G-Vectoring (a system that uses engine torque to improve cornering).
Standard features on the 2017-2021 Mazda CX-5 include:
17-inch alloy wheels
Roof spoiler
4.6-inch driver information display
The fifth generation (2017-present) Honda CR-V delivers a capable powertrain, rugged good looks outside, and a stylish modern interior. The wood and metal trim on the dash add welcome touches of luxury. In back, the 2017 Honda CR-V delivers a lot of cargo space in a compact design, with 39.2 cu-ft behind the rear seats, and 75.8 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down. Under the hood of the 2017-2022 CR-V, you'll find a standard 2.4L engine or optional turbocharged 1.5L engine.
Standard features on the 2017-2022 Honda CR-V include:
7-inch screen with Garmin-based navigation system
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
Auto high-beam headlights
The 2017-2019 Ford Escape might just be the ultimate road tripper. The 2017 Ford Escape has incredibly comfy seats, impressive headroom, and an insulated cabin designed to soak up bumps and road noise. You've also got a range of engine options to choose from: the base 2.5L four-cylinder engine generates 168 hp, the optional turbocharged 1.5L engine makes 179 hp, and the sporty twin-turbo 2.0L engine has 245 hp. The 2.5L is locked to FWD, but the other engines can be found with AWD.
Highlights of the 2017-2019 Ford Escape include standard features like:
Standard engine start/stop
Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
SYNC® 3 infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4 out of 5
22 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 13 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 4 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 2 |
| 1 Star | 3 |
RepairPal gave the Hyundai Tucson an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Hyundai Tucson 10th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai TucsonHyundai Tucson features and specs
Curious how Hyundai Tucson trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
ECO 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
175
Torque (ft-lbs)
195
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
16.4
Wheelbase
105.1"
Overall length
176.2"
Width
72.8"
Height
64.8"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 38.2"
Head room
F 39.6"/R 39.2"
Front tires
P225/60HR17
Rear tires
P225/60HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
100/1000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Hyundai Tucson FAQ
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson has heated front seats on the Sport trim and adds heated rear seats on the Limited trim.
Standard features include automatic headlights, anti-theft alarm, stability control and traction control, six speakers, steering wheel audio controls, six-way manual seats with cloth upholstery, heated mirrors, and more.
While the city in Arizona that shares this SUV's name never sees snow, the Hyundai Tucson with HTRAC AWD and 6.4 inches of ground clearance is perfectly suited for wintry travel, including snow.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV, while the Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV. The Santa Fe also seats five but has more powerful engines and larger cargo capacity.
Yes, the Hyundai Tucson lineup gained a hybrid starting with the 2022 model year.
More about the 2016 Hyundai Tucson
Exterior colors:
Ash Black
Caribbean Blue
Chromium Silver
Coliseum Gray
Dazzling White
Molten Silver
Sedona Sunset
Winter White
Interior colors:
Black
Gray
Interior details
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson interior seats five adults comfortably, and the flexible 60/40 rear bench design allows you to carry extra-large cargo. For extra-large cargo, the Hyundai Tucson can tow a small trailer—up to an estimated 1,000 lbs with the 2.0L engine, when properly equipped.
If you're looking for leather, check out the Limited trim. You'll love the spacious cabin, with plenty of room for passengers and a quiet on-road experience. The interior displays a modern and mature design, with an eye toward ergonomics over flashiness.Child seat details
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson offers seating for five and can comfortably fit up to two car seats in the second row. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. The two sets of LATCH anchors are easy to reach and use, while the three tether anchors are in the seatback and clearly marked, making it easier to buckle small children into the 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
Performance
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson SE features a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 164 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Sending power through the six-speed automatic to the front wheels, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson runs from zero to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new).
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited has a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine making 175 hp and 195 lb-ft. With the fast-shifting seven-speed sending that power to the HTRAC AWD system, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited sprints from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new.)
FWD Tucsons start at an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 26 mpg, while AWD Tucsons start at 25 mpg combined.1 Both Tucson engines and drivetrains can tow an estimated 1,000 lbs when properly equipped.
Emissions
According to EPA estimates, the FWD 2016 Hyundai Tucson's tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 342 grams per mile with the 2.0L engine, and 317 grams per mile with the turbo 1.6L engine. The AWD 2016 Hyundai Tucson model's EPA-estimated tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions are 355 grams per mile with the 1.6L engine, and 389 grams per mile with the 2.0L engine.
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